Obituary: Pancho Segura

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Pancho Segura

The ITF was saddened to learn of the death of Pancho Segura, who passed away on Saturday 18 November 2017 at the age of 96.

Segura played throughout the 1940s, 50s and 60s, initially as an amateur before joining the emerging professional circuit in 1948. He held both Ecuadorian and American nationality and won three straight NCAA singles titles in 1942-44 at the University of Miami.

Prior to turning professional he reached four Grand Slam finals - in men's doubles at the 1944 US Open and at 1946 Roland Garros, and in mixed doubles at the US Open in 1943 and 1947.

As a pro, he won four titles at the professional majors - the highest honours on the circuit at that time and also reached the No. 1 world ranking. His short stature (he was 5' 6'' or 168cm) was no barrier to his achievements, and his unique two-handed forehand was a ferocious weapon.

Following his playing career, Segura took up coaching and worked with Jimmy Connors during the early part of his career. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984.

"On behalf of the ITF, I'd like to offer our condolences to Pancho Segura's family and friends," ITF President David Haggerty said. "Pancho was widely renowned as one of the most talented and entertaining players of his time. He was also a great coach and a worthy Hall of Famer. He will be much missed by the tennis family."